Graham Mertz comes up limping after touchdown pass in Week 7 vs. Tennessee

Florida true freshman quarterback DJ Lagway has played his way into a quarterback rotation with super-senior Graham Mertz, but now head coach Billy Napier may have no choice but to hand the reins of the offense over to Lagway full-time. In the third quarter of Florida’s Week 7 matchup with Tennessee, Mertz extended the Gators lead to 10-0 with a 13-yard touchdown pass to tight end Arlis Boardingham, then came up limping with an apparent non-contact leg injury. 

Mertz headed straight to the blue medical tent on Florida’s sideline and was visibly frustrated. The second-year Gator’s status for the remainder of the game is unknown. At the time of the injury, Mertz was 11/15 for 125 yards and a touchdown. He also ran the ball five times for 11 yards. Meanwhile, Lagway had completed three of his four passes for 45 yards.

Lagway emerged early in the year after Mertz missed Florida’s Week 2 matchup against Samford with a concussion. In that one, Lagway threw for 456 yards and three touchdowns on just 18 completions. 

Now, Lagway will likely be tasked with holding off Tennessee to complete a home upset against the No. 8 ranked Volunteers. 

Mertz is still reportedly on the sidelines but does not have a helmet, and does not appear likely to return to the game.